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Bras for a Cause: Excuse me, but your spunk is showing

Entries at the Bras for a Cause event are decorated with a variety of mediums like this one from last year that was made up of ribbons signifying breast cancer awareness.

— image credit: Courtesy photo

A local fundraiser is celebrating spunk, style and underwear best suited to be seen and not worn.

This year marks the ninth annual Bras for a Cause, sponsored by Soroptimist International of Greater North Kitsap, in which creative types decorate unmentionables to make them conversation pieces.

“The important thing is that you look at where the money goes and it all stays right here in the community,” said Pat Van Diest, past president of North Kitsap Soroptomist.

Soroptomists are dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls in their communities.

The proceeds for the event will benefit Harrison Medical Center Foundation’s Healing Garden Project, The Children’s Bereavement Fund at Hospice of Kitsap County and Harmony Hill Retreat Center, among other local programs. The decorated bras will be auctioned at the event, set for 6 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Silverdale Beach Hotel.

“There are many wonderful organizations in our community who fill specific, critical needs,” North Kitsap Soroptimist President Deb House said. “What we do at Soroptimist is fill in the blanks. Our broader focus on ‘women and children’ means we can step in to help out where the need is immediate.”

It’s when times are tough that service organizations must work harder to meet increasing need, Van Diest said.

“For example, during the worst of the economic downturn earlier this year, Soroptimists helped Kitsap’s StandUp For Kids find temporary homes for young people who were otherwise out on the street or couch surfing, staying at one friend’s home then another,” she said. “Poulsbo’s Fishline found itself low on goods and low on money; in stepped the Soroptimists, who put out the word to their personal and professional networks.”

Money raised at Bras for a Cause allows the group to do community outreach, and it adds a little spunk to their fundraising efforts.

“It’s always well received because it’s different and it’s always very tasteful,” Van Diest said, adding most of the bras are meant as decor, not attire.

This year’s bra crop will give event attendees something to talk about: Poulsbo’s Paladin Data Systems is donating a computerized interactive bra and Poulsbo artist Catherine Foster is tapping into her unique craft of metalworks for her contribution. Some other premier items also are up for bid, Van Diest said. On the auction block are an afternoon aboard a $3.5 million yacht, complete with champagne picnic; gourmet dinner for six in a private wine cellar with a view of Agate Pass; and a civilian ride-along with the Poulsbo Fire chief for a 12-hour shift on a fire engine or with the duty chief.

Van Diest is hoping the fundraiser brings in $15,000.

Tickets for the event are $40 each or $75 for two. They can be purchased at www.signk.org.

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